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Skills versus Degrees: What staffing firms have to say?

Shivpriya R Sumbha
July 21, 2023

*Job readiness: Will you look into a prestigious degree or go by meticulous skills?***

In the dynamic world of recruitment and talent acquisition, the debate between skills and degrees has been a longstanding one.

At Nuvepro, as an upskilling-based startup, we believe that a college degree serves as the golden ticket to a professional door, but as industries evolve and technological advancements reshape the job market, the value of skills is what you need. Staffing firms lead the employment process and help navigate this evolving landscape. As HR News, ETHRWorld, and other credible sources reveal, a new wave of talent evaluation is sweeping the industry for Job readiness, challenging conventional notions of qualification.

In this blog, we delve into the insights provided by staffing firms on the ever-persistent dilemma of skills versus degrees. We’ll explore how staffing firms are adapting to this paradigm shift, their take on the significance of skills, and the impact it has on the modern workforce. We’ll look at why skills-based recruiting is becoming more popular, its pros and cons, and its ramifications for individuals and businesses. Nuvepro is looking into this important topic because we want to figure out the intricate link between skills and degrees and learn more about how talent will be found and will enable Job readiness for them.

The Changing Tides of Hiring Trends

The employment market is undergoing significant change, and staffing firms are at the epicentre of this evolution. We delve into the rise of skill-based exams and the influence that they are having on traditional degree-centric approaches as we uncover the trends that are transforming the way that firms evaluate potential employees.

The Rise of Skills Assessment

It has come to the attention of staffing companies that there has been an uptick in the demand for precise skill evaluations of candidates. We analyse the different innovative approaches that these companies employ to evaluate candidates’ technical abilities, soft skills, and cultural fit to demonstrate the significance of skills over degrees. These methods include evaluating candidates’ technical skills, soft skills, and cultural fit.

The Inclusion Revolution

Staffing firms are seeing a positive influence on diversity and inclusion in the workplace as a result of the shift towards employing candidates based on their talents. At Nuvepro, we explore the ways that emphasising talents can open doors for candidates who come from a variety of backgrounds, thereby giving businesses the ability to form more inclusive teams.

Closing the Skill Gap

The need for specialised knowledge has increased in response to the rapid pace of technological progress. Companies are forming partnerships with staffing firms to fill the void in available skills by locating candidates with specialised proficiencies. At Nuvepro, we demonstrate how recruiting candidates based on their skills can help create a workforce that is more adaptable and prepared for the future by enabling Upskilling for enterprises.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

Staffing firms are urging businesses to prioritise upskilling and reskilling programmes now that we live in an age of constant learning. At Nuvepro, we investigate how an emphasis on skill might drive employees to embrace lifelong learning, which ultimately results in a workforce that is more versatile and adaptive to changing circumstances.

Reimagining Job Descriptions

Staffing firms are playing an important role in the process of redesigning job descriptions to place a greater emphasis on relevant talents rather than simply educational requirements. At Nuvepro, we analyse the implications of this change concerning luring a more diverse pool of people and achieving a greater sense of alignment with work requirements.

The Value of Soft Skills

While technical skills are essential, soft skills are equally crucial for Job readiness. Staffing firms recognise the significance of emotional intelligence, communication, and adaptability, and we explore how these traits impact candidate evaluation.

The majority of companies ignore degrees in favour of skills.

Indeed, the trend of favouring skills over degrees has been gaining momentum across various industries in India and globally. Many forward-thinking companies have recognised that degrees alone may not always accurately reflect a candidate’s ability to excel in a particular role or adapt to the challenges of an ever-changing business landscape.

Skills Win over degrees.

In the end, the skills versus degrees debate is not about choosing one over the other but rather about striking a harmonious balance between the two. As the job market continues to evolve, skills will play an increasingly crucial role in driving career success and organisational growth. By recognising the value of formal education and practical expertise, individuals can equip themselves for a competitive job market. At the same time, employers can build a dynamic and versatile workforce by Upskilling their enterprises. Embracing a balanced approach ensures that organisations thrive in a world where skills and knowledge are equally valued and celebrated.

In this era of constant disruption and transformation, individuals who prioritise skill development can position themselves as valuable assets to any organisation. Acquiring Knowledge through experiential learning, online courses, workshops, or practising in hands-on labs like any upskilling-based startup might allow professionals to stay agile, continuously upgrade their abilities, and remain relevant in their respective fields.

Ultimately, the future belongs to those who can adapt swiftly, think creatively, and apply their knowledge effectively to solve real-world challenges. While degrees may hold significance in certain professions, the ability to demonstrate practical expertise and hands-on experience has become increasingly vital in shaping successful careers.

So, let us embrace the power of skill while not underestimating the necessity of upskilling enterprises. Together, this harmonious integration will drive individuals and organisations towards unparalleled success, enabling us to thrive in a world where skill and knowledge are celebrated and rewarded in equal measure.

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Why Skill Validation Is the Missing Link in today’s Training programs

In 2025, We’re Still Asking: Why Isn’t Learning Driving Performance? Billions are being spent. Thousands of training programs are being launched every year. Yet here we are—facing a truth that’s too loud to ignore: learning isn’t translating into performance. Let’s pause and reflect. Have you ever completed a training, proudly received a certificate, and still felt unprepared for the real challenges at work? You’re not alone. Despite major investments in learning platforms and certification programs, enterprises continue to face a fundamental challenge: turning learning into measurable capability. It is no longer sufficient to rely on a model where employees complete courses and organizations hope those skills translate into performance. This “train and hope” approach has crumbled in the face of increasing business complexity, fast-changing technologies, and pressure for real-time results. Enterprises today are navigating a growing disconnect—the widening gap between upskilling and actual job readiness. While the number of training programs has increased, so has the frustration among team leads and hiring managers who realize, often too late, that employees are not ready to perform the tasks they were trained for. This gap is not just a training issue; it is a business risk. According to Lighthouse Research & Advisory, only 16% of employees believe their skills are being developed for future success. This alarming figure comes despite organizations pouring record-breaking budgets into Learning & Development (L&D). So where’s the disconnect? Why is the gap between learning and doing still so wide? The High Cost of Skills Gaps The urgency of solving this issue cannot be overstated. According to current projections, 85 million jobs may go unfilled in the next few years due to a lack of skilled talent. The estimated cost of this shortfall is a staggering $8.5 trillion in lost revenue globally. This is not a distant scenario but a rapidly approaching reality. Surveys reveal that while a majority of organizations—around 83 percent—acknowledge having skills gaps, only 28 percent are taking effective steps to address them. The reasons behind this gap are complex, but three consistent challenges emerge across industries: visibility into real-time skill levels, mechanisms to validate whether learning has truly occurred, and the ability to act quickly based on skill readiness. This lack of visibility, validation, and velocity is limiting the return on learning investments. More importantly, it’s hindering business agility in a world where time-to-skill is critical. What Exactly is Skill Validation? Let’s be clear—Skill Validation is not a buzzword anymore. It’s not just a new checkbox in the L&D strategy document. It’s a paradigm shift—a change in how we approach talent development, assess readiness, and ensure that learning has real-world impact. For far too long, training programs have been measured by inputs: But the truth is, none of these guarantees job readiness. You can complete ten courses on cloud computing and still struggle to set up a basic cloud environment. You can ace a leadership development program and still falter when managing your first real team crisis. Why? Because completing training doesn’t always equal competence. Skill validation flips the narrative. Instead of asking: “Did they finish the course?” We ask: Can they do the task in a real situation, or Can the person actually do the job when put in an actual project? Skill validation helps in true learning by doing There is a massive difference between knowledge acquisition and skill validation. It’s real practice that shows whether someone is truly ready. Skill validation is not about learning in isolation—it’s about learning in context. It’s about immersing learners in real-life scenarios, simulated environments, and hands-on tasks that mirror the challenges they will face on the job. What Does Skill Validation Actually Look Like? Skill validation can take many forms, depending on the role, industry, and level of expertise. Like, for example, In every case, the individual is not just recalling information—they’re applying it. They’re making decisions, solving problems, and adapting in real time. This is the kind of learning that sticks. This is the kind of learning that builds confidence. And most importantly, this is the kind of learning that prepares people for the unpredictable nature of work. Skill validation is: It ensures your employees aren’t just trained—they’re trusted.. Why Skill Validation Is a Priority Now The rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, DevOps, and cybersecurity tools has shortened the shelf life of technical skills. Job roles are evolving so quickly that the lag between training and application can result in irrelevance. Moreover, threats such as security breaches or project failures demand instant readiness from employees, not a six-month wait to assess post-training performance. In this context, relying solely on traditional learning models is no longer viable. Businesses need to know—immediately—whether a new hire is ready to deliver or whether an internal employee is prepared for the next level of responsibility. Skill validation addresses this need by offering evidence-based assurance of workforce capability. Being “almost ready” isn’t enough in today’s fast-paced business landscape. Organizations need people who can deliver from day one. Project timelines are tight, customer expectations are high, and there’s little room for error. This is why skill validation isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. It ensures your training efforts aren’t just about checking boxes. It ensures your workforce is not only engaged but equipped. It bridges the final and most important gap: from learning to performing. Integrating Skill Validation Into the Learning Ecosystem For organizations aiming to embed skill validation into their talent strategies, the approach involves three key steps: Establishing Visibility: The first step is to identify current skill levels across roles. This requires tools that go beyond static self-assessments and instead gather real-time performance data from immersive, task-based activities. Embedding Validation in the Learning Journey: Skill validation should not be a post-training activity. It should be integrated throughout the learning process—from initial assessments to final evaluations. This ensures that learning is anchored in outcomes, not just content completion. Enabling Agility Through Continuous Feedback: With validated data on individual and team capabilities, organizations can respond faster—by tailoring interventions, accelerating project readiness, or rerouting resources

Building a Skill Framework: Connecting the Dots Between Skills Taxonomy, Skills Ontology, Skill Families, and Skill Clusters

In today’s fast-evolving workforce, skills have overtaken degrees and titles as the true currency of value. With emerging technologies, shifting business models, and a growing gig economy, what a person can do has become more important than what they have done. Organizations now collect immense amounts of data on employee skills through assessments, performance reviews, learning platforms, and certifications. However, most of this data sits in silos—unstructured, underutilized, and often outdated. The challenge isn’t the lack of skills data; it’s the lack of a structured way to activate it. Without a clear strategy to interpret, map, and apply this information, organizations miss out on smarter talent decisions, agile workforce planning, and meaningful upskilling paths. To truly unlock the full potential of your workforce, you need more than just a list of skills—you need a well-structured skills framework. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how Skills Taxonomy, Skills Ontology, Skill Families, and Skill Clusters all fit together to build that structure. When used the right way, these tools can help you make sense of your skills data, close gaps, and prepare your teams for what’s next. What Is a Skill Framework? Imagine trying to build a house without a blueprint—or trying to manage your workforce without knowing what skills people actually have or need. That’s where a skill framework comes in. In simple terms, a skill framework is a structured system that helps organizations identify, organize, and manage the skills of their workforce. It works like a map—clearly showing what skills are important for each role, how different skills are connected, and where the gaps are. Instead of treating skills like a random list, a skill framework brings order, clarity, and purpose to your talent strategy. So, why does this matter? For HR professionals, Learning & Development (L&D) teams, and talent managers, a skill framework is incredibly valuable. Without a structured view of skills, it’s hard to answer basic but important questions: A skill framework helps answer all of these questions—and more. It becomes the foundation for smarter decisions across hiring, training, workforce planning, and career growth. Let’s look at some of the major benefits: First, it improves hiring. When you know exactly which skills are needed for each role, you can write better job descriptions, evaluate candidates more effectively, and reduce hiring mistakes. Second, it enables personalized learning paths. Instead of giving everyone the same training, you can tailor learning to each employee’s current skill level and career goals. This not only boosts engagement but also speeds up skill development. Third, it supports talent mobility. Employees often want to grow and move into new roles—but don’t always know what skills they need to get there. A skill framework shows them a clear path forward, helping them upskill and transition smoothly within the organization. And finally, it powers better workforce planning. With a clear view of current and future skill needs, organizations can prepare ahead of time—whether that means training, hiring, or shifting roles internally. In short, a skill framework turns scattered skills data into meaningful insights. It helps organizations not just understand their talent—but also shape it, grow it, and future-proof it. Understanding the Building Blocks Now that we know what a skill framework is and why it’s important, let’s break it down into its core building blocks. These are the key components that work together to give your framework structure, meaning, and power. Think of it like constructing a building—you need a strong foundation, a blueprint, organized rooms, and proper connections. Similarly, a solid skill framework is built on four essential elements: Skills Taxonomy, Skills Ontology, Skill Families, and Skill Clusters. Each one plays a unique role in organizing and making sense of your skills data. Let’s look at each one in simple terms: Skills Taxonomy: Bringing Order to the Skill Chaos One of the most important building blocks of any structured skill framework is the Skills Taxonomy. The term might sound a bit technical at first, but the idea behind it is actually quite simple—and incredibly useful. So, what exactly is a Skills Taxonomy? A Skills Taxonomy is a way to neatly organize all the skills in your organization into a structured hierarchy. Think of it like how you organize folders and files on your computer. You might have a main folder called “Projects,” with subfolders for each client or team, and then specific files within each one. A skills taxonomy works the same way—but instead of files, you’re organizing skills. Here’s how it typically looks: This kind of structure helps you create a clear, searchable, and organized list of skills across your entire workforce. It brings clarity to what skills exist, where they fit, and how they’re connected to job roles. Why Is a Skills Taxonomy So Important? At Nuvepro, we’ve worked with many organisations that already have skill data—but it’s often scattered, inconsistent, or duplicated. One team might call a skill “Project Management,” another calls it “Agile PM,” and a third lists “Scrum Master.” These are all connected, but without a structured system, it becomes hard to tell whether people are discussing the same thing. This is where a skills taxonomy makes a big difference. It gives everyone—whether it’s HR, L&D, or team leads—a common language to talk about skills. It removes guesswork and ensures everyone is aligned. When you say a role needs “Cloud Infrastructure,” it’s clear what specific skills that includes. No confusion. No miscommunication. Making Skill Inventories Work Suppose your organization wants to create a master inventory of employee skills. Without a taxonomy, you would likely end up with a long, unstructured list that varies from team to team. But with a skills taxonomy in place, you can organize that list in a way that’s logical and easy to manage. Here’s what a well-structured taxonomy allows you to do: This kind of structure makes it so much easier to: It’s not just about organizing skills—it’s about unlocking insights from them. Example: Building a Taxonomy for a Tech Team Let’s say you’re

The Storyteller’s 3-year Journey

Head of Marketing Shivpriya R. Sumbha, who recently completed 3 years at Nuvepro, looks back on her journey with grace, grit, and gratitude. Questions curated by Anisha Sreenivasan 1. How has your journey at Nuvepro been since April 2022? Any moments that stand out as turning points or proud achievements? Thanks, Anisha, for kickstarting the #PeopleAtNuvepro series—such a great way to reflect and share! Since joining in April 2022, the journey’s been full of learning, growth, and quite a few “wow, we’re really doing this” moments. We’ve evolved so much—not just in what we offer, but how we think about the value we bring to the table. There’ve been many initiatives that we’ve worked on, but for me, the proudest moments are when customers describe us not just for what we do, but for what we enable. When they see Nuvepro as a go-to for project readiness and skill validation—not just as a tool or a platform or divide our offerings and know us for 1 of it, but as a true enabler of Project Readiness – When they get that without us having to spell it out—it feels like we’re doing something truly right. That kind of recognition hits differently. 2. You’ve played a huge role beyond just Marketing Campaigns, workshops, hackathons, even sales outreach. How do you manage to juggle it all so well? Honestly, I don’t think it ever feels like we’ve “figured it all out”—and maybe that’s a good thing. There’s always more we can do, more ideas we haven’t explored yet, and that’s what keeps it exciting. We’ve done some great work as a team, no doubt, but I still feel like we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. Marketing, especially in a tech-driven company like ours, often plays the role of the silent enabler. Most of the spotlight naturally goes to the tech—and rightfully so—but behind the scenes, it’s been amazing to see how strategic marketing efforts have quietly shaped the brand, created visibility, and opened doors we didn’t even know existed. What I really hope to see in the coming days is Nuvepro being recognised not just for what we build, but how we’re building a brand that resonates—with customers, partners, and even within the team. We, are often attributed by the tech we create and not the way the brand has been overseen by the marketing efforts. Hopefully, we’ll see that day soon, too. 3. What was the most memorable event you worked on at Nuvepro-and what made it special? Of course, the first Nuvepro Project Readiness event was a huge success, and we all know it. That goes out to be my most memorable, and not because it was the first or because of the efforts put in. I was happy to know that the internal teams and management now know about the power of such event marketing strategies and how evidently they can bring us good connections. Striking that chord of confidence will always remain memorable. 4. As someone who built the marketing function from scratch here, what were your biggest challenges and learnings in the process? Initially the biggest hurdle was defining what marketing should look like in an enablement-driven, tech-first environment. There wasn’t a rulebook to follow—we had to experiment every few days on how we wish to be pursued. One of the key learnings was that marketing doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful all the time. Most of the brands and projects that I had worked for were on unmatchable performance marketing budgets but with Nuvepro I learnt that sometimes, the most impactful work happens in the background—crafting the right narrative, building relationships, or simply bringing organic consistency to how the brand shows up. It took time to shift perceptions—from seeing marketing as just promotion to recognizing it as a slow go-getter. It has made me learn about the organic growths too which are often overlooked in Marketing. 5. You have hosted several workshops, hackathons and roundtable conferences. What excites you most about these events? I guess connects and the post-event relationships that we build. We can simply set up a sales campaign or a PPC campaign and write sales ad copy, but we believe meeting someone and talking to someone establishes a much stronger relationship, and we aim to do just that. That excites me the most. The ability to network and build relationships through these events is truly good. 6. Beyond work, what are your go-to ways to unwind or recharge after a packed day of marketing magic? Now, since life has changed a bit, I like to read less, watch cricket a little less, stream less and indulge more in other things like #apartmenttherapy as you may call. I try out multiple recipes, I garden a lot more, I clean a lot more and learn many more things that I had never tried before. I always did all this before, too, now, with a unique zest. It is therapeutic for me to be a house runner; I love it, and I don’t wish it any other way. 7. Looking back at your journey from 2022 to now, what’s one piece of advice you’d give your past self? Haha just this one, “Your manager is a really good human first, and you will learn a lot, and you will have a great time in the coming few years, make the most of it, trust the process, don’t think you will not be able to survive 😊 ‘’ 8. You’re always full of energy as your colleague’s mention-how do you do that? At a very early point of time in life I have realized, our happiness and mood is our own responsibility, So I TRY to be not very much affected by the external factors, people, challenges and try to be in the best of moods always and the other thing is obviously, I love the idea of being approachable and friendly as a person. I obviously only try. 9. And

Welcome To Our Blog

Skills versus Degrees: What staffing firms have to say?

*Job readiness: Will you look into a prestigious degree or go by meticulous skills?***

The Changing Tides of Hiring Trends

The Rise of Skills Assessment

Skills Win over degrees.

Why Skill Validation Is the Missing Link in today’s Training programs

Building a Skill Framework: Connecting the Dots Between Skills Taxonomy, Skills Ontology, Skill Families, and Skill Clusters

The Storyteller’s 3-year Journey

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